Generic Viz Stickers and refusal to fill

[halocline]

CGA Pub P-5 Paragraph 6.1 the Compressed Gas Association requires all cylinders
in SCUBA service to be visually inspected annually

It's probably a good thing you're a tank inspector and not a lawyer, because that's not a law.

 

[captain]

CGA Pub P-5 Paragraph 6.1 the Compressed Gas Association requires all cylinders
in SCUBA service to be visually inspected annually

CGA does not equal federal regulation.

 

[superspeed]

To the OP, had the same problem here. A great way to fix the problem is to not buy the PSI vip stickers, there are plenty of web sites to source custom made "shop" stickers.

 

[KD8NPB]

Pop by our shop, I'll accept your VIP and fill ya for $4.

 

[rjack321]

Government safety regs say checking every 5 years is enough and, even at that, allows some cracks a couple of threads).

Not sure where this came from but there are no small "allowable" cracks.

 

[jIM STEELE]

all alum. tanks are required to be eddied and stamped after test date( ve)

---------- Post added February 22nd, 2013 at 10:31 AM ----------

the dot will pass or fail if the pass I fill

---------- Post added February 22nd, 2013 at 10:33 AM ----------

diving is fun and should be easy dont make it hard

 

[redacted]

Not sure where this came from but there are no small "allowable" cracks.

Reference please. This is from the Luxfer guide for visual inspection:

Inspect all cylinder threads for cracking with and without a dental mirror and light.
See PHOTOS 6 - 9. In addition to a visual inspection using the naked eye, the use of a
Non-destructive Testing (NDT)G device, such as Visual PlusB&C is also recommended to
detect thread cracks.
Remove the O-ring. Inspect the O-ring gland and cylinder faceF5/6 for cracking.
CONDEMN all cylinders that show evidence of cracking in more than one continuous
full thread. Contact Luxfer7 with this information and findings.

---------- Post added February 22nd, 2013 at 08:03 PM ----------

all alum. tanks are required to be eddied and stamped after test date( ve)

Reference please. I thought the DOT required VE was only for 6351 tanks.

 

[akdeepdiver]

[/QUOTE]Reference please. I thought the DOT required VE was only for 6351 tanks.[/QUOTE]


Latest revised copy (1 Oct 2012) of 49 CFR states it is only required for tanks made out of 6351-T6 Alloy. (49CFR180.205) and (49CFR180.205 Appendix C). Additionally, it is only requred at time of Hydro. There is a letter of clarification out there from PHMSA (DOT) stating that all other Aluminum tanks may be eddy current tested if the owner wants, but it is not required by law. I can track down this letter if people really want it.

---------- Post added February 22nd, 2013 at 08:53 PM ----------

CGA Pub P-5 Paragraph 6.1 the Compressed Gas Association requires all cylinders
in SCUBA service to be visually inspected annually

The following CGA Publications are referenced in 49 CFR (Revised as of October 2012) and are therefor considered law by reference.

C-1, C-5, C-6, C-6.1, C-6.2, C-6.3, C-8

In reference to the above quote, CGA Pub P-5 is NOT referenced and is therefor not considered Law By Reference. Because of this, it is considered to be recomendations only, by a private for profit entity.

 

[jIM STEELE]

If the dot is happy I fill I try not impose my opinion on my customers I am not an expert I submit to the dot

---------- Post added February 22nd, 2013 at 10:24 PM ----------

I want my customers to dive and be happy

 

[Nemrod]

The Luxfer guide to cylinder inspection is very complete and does allow for imperfections and cracking as described within their guide.

The VIP is not required by any regulation, though a good idea, it is a scuba industry standard. That is significant however and should not be ignored if one were a commercial operator. As a private owner of a few personal use scuba tanks, I will do my own inspections and I am Level II certified.

N